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Jade (Rough Chapter Ten) The End of book one

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Eiregirl



Joined: 21 Jul 2005
Posts: 10230
Location: Chasing a pink bunny
Jade (Rough Chapter Ten) The End of book one

Chapter Ten (possible final chapter)

Willow was sitting with her head resting on Aspens shoulder as they sat talking with their friends about when they should leave to go back to their own land…their own forest.
“Lightning wants to have a celebration when they get back to Shadow Lake and he asked if we would go.” Aspen told Willow.
“All of us?” Willow asked.
“All of us.” Aspen replied.
“That will be a huge celebration. I think we should go.” Willow said then asked, “Have they decided when they will be leaving for Shadow Lake?”
“He said the day after tomorrow. Most of the ones wounded have been healed and there are only a few who have not yet recovered from the poisoning…Nightshade is one of them.” Aspen told her with a worried look on his face. He, Hawk and Nightshade had all become good friends since meeting each other and although he hated to see any Elf die he especially hated watching friends die.
“Those who have not responded to the potion only seem to be getting worse…slowly getting worse.” Sage said as she stared out into the forest.
“His mother and father have not left his side since he fell into the deep sleep.” Mist said.
“That does not sound promising.” Wisp said as she pulled her cloak around her shoulders.
All sat silently for a few moments then the silence was broken when Sage asked, “So are we leaving for the Alarian Forest after the celebration?”
“I have been thinking about sending you back with the scouts after the celebration but Willow insists on staying until Jade, Nightwind and Dew return.” Aspen said as he looked at Sage.
“None are leaving until they return.” Hawk said and received a questioning look from Aspen.
“He is right. I was going to tell you later.” Wisp said apologetically to Aspen.
“Mist and I talked to all the clan leaders…both from our forest and here in the Green Forest. We all decided that it would be best if we stayed until we are sure Jade either succeeded or failed.” Wisp said as she looked at each of them.
“We all know what she intended and if she failed then we know it will not be another five or ten thousand years before he tries again. It will be as soon as he can put his armies back together.” Mist added.
“So we stay until we know?” Wind asked.
“Until we know.” Aspen said as he looked off into the night.
“Since we have that settled I think I will go for a swim.” Hawk said as he stood and walked down to the waters edge.
“He is worried about Nightwind.” Willow said after Hawk was out of sight.
“Yes he is. He will never admit it but he is just as worried about her as I was about you.” Aspen said and kissed her cheek.
“If what Lightning said is true about the Anid leaving this forest and going to their own and if Jade was successful then she should be on her way back and that means…” Wisp said finally realizing what the situation was.
“Yes. If they are on their way back then they are walking straight into what is left of two armies.” Aspen said.
“If there was anything Hawk could do he would not be here and we would be right behind him but the Anid army is to far ahead to catch them and there is no way to get to Jade, Nightwind or Dew in time to help or warn them…they are just to far away.” Willow said.


XXXXXXXXXX

The trip back across the desert from the Anid forest had seemed a lot longer than the initial crossing to Jade and her friends but especially to Jade who was indrawn and quiet the entire journey. Nightwind had noticed this change in Jade while they were still in the forest but had said nothing until they started across the desert but the only answer she ever received from Jade when asked if there was anything wrong was…“no…nothings wrong” then Jade would say nothing more. Nightwind had known that Jade was not telling her the truth but she also knew that she would never get the truth if she kept pressing Jade about it so she decided to let the matter drop…for now but promised herself to quietly ask from time to time.

As they passed from the desert to the plains they stopped at the cool stream fed pool they had stopped at on their way to the Anid forest. Jade stripped off the robe and her clothes then slipped into the pool. She looked to the hills they still had to cross then back to the desert and almost smiled as she enjoyed the cool water of the pool and the thought that she would soon be back in her own forest then thoughts of Kerrah entered her mind and she knew she could not hide from her own people the fact that she had killed him and she could not hide from them what he had told her…that he was her kin and that made her a kin-killer. For that crime she knew that at worst she would be put to death and at the very least banished from the forest.
{Renee…if only you were here to talk with.} Jade said within her own mind knowing there would never again be a reply. She looked over to where Dew was drying off and putting her clothes on while talking with Nightwind who sat at the other end of the pool. She could not hear what they were saying but suspected they were talking about how wonderful it was to be free of the desert sand.
“I think something is bothering Jade.” Dew said quietly to Nightwind.
“I know. I have asked her about it but she does not wish to talk.” Nightwind replied in a soft caring voice that Dew had never heard come from her lips before. “I will talk to her again.” Nightwind said.
Later when Dew went to gather some wood to start a fire Nightwind sat next to Jade and looking into her friends eyes and said, “Jade I know something is bothering you and all I want to do is help if I can and let you know that if you want to talk then I will always listen.”
Jade looks at Nightwind for a moment then quietly says, “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Jade please. Is it Renee being gone that troubles you?” Nightwind asked.
“Nightwind I know you only want to help and I thank you very much for your concern but when I want to talk I will.” Jade told her flatly.
“Okay, I can understand that but do me a favor and do not let whatever is troubling you eat you away inside.” Nightwind said giving her friend a hug.
“I won’t and I thank you for being my friend.” Jade said. “I’m going to see what is keeping Dew.” Jade said and slowly walked away.
Closing her eyes Nightwind leaned back against a rock and her thoughts slowly drifted from Jade to Hawk and a warm feeling flowed through her as she thought of him and butterflies danced in her stomach in anticipation of seeing him again. She opened her eyes suddenly as she thought of him not being there when she got back or being hurt…or worse…dead. Slowly the warm feeling faded.
“Nightwind…we have trouble.” Jade said running up with Dew close behind her.
“What is it?” Nightwind said as she quickly stood.
“We spotted some Anid crossing the plains…it looks like an entire army.” Jade replied.
“How far away are they?” Nightwind asked as she checked her knives and bow.
“Not far enough if you ask me.” Dew said as she gathered her things and put her pack on.
“But they are far enough away for us to find a place to hide and shield ourselves.” Jade said. “Any ideas of where we can hide Dew?”
“I think we…if we hurry we might be able to make it across those hills and hide without them seeing or detecting us.” Dew said as she pointed.
“They will most likely camp around the stream and pool for the day and leave out tonight and probably no later than tomorrow night.” Jade said.
“Then we will just have to make sure they don’t find us. Let’s go.” Nightwind said grabbing her things.

XXXXXXXXXX

The Anid camped near the pool and their tents were spread out along the banks of the stream. They bathed in the pool and rested for the day and when nightfall came they could be seen walking off into the desert. Once they were out of sight Jade and her friends returned to the pool where they camped for the night.

The cool waters of the pool and stream were left far behind as three friends left the open plains behind for more familiar rolling hills and trees as they continued on their journey home. After many days of traveling without seeing anymore Anid or Elves Nightwind suddenly stopped when they crested a hill in the Birchwood’s and pointed.
“What is it?” Dew asked.
“Three figures moving along the top of that hill.” Nightwind told her.
“I don’t feel them so one of them must be a mage.” Jade said as she watched them.
“Are they Anid?” Dew asked.
“I can’t tell. They are to far away and I can’t feel them either.” Nightwind said. “There is either one powerful mage or perhaps all three are mages.”
“What do you think Jade?” Dew asked.
“I can’t tell either---let’s just let them go on their way.” Jade said as she watched them run out of sight over the other side of the hill then they also continued on there way.

That night as they sat around the fire Dew stared into the flames and dreamed of the reunion she anticipated with Nightshade. In the flames of the fire she could see herself in his arms and the love in his deep green eyes. She could feel his warm hands gently caress her cheek and feel his tender lips kiss her own. She sat there dreaming of when they were finally alone…his fingers sliding through her hair and his hands caressing her---
“Dew…Dew!” Nightwind said shattering Dews thoughts.
“What?” Dew said with a faraway look in her eyes.
“Are you ok?” Nightwind asked.
“Yes…I I was just thinking. Did you need something?” Dew said.
“I was just telling you that you have second watch. Jade is taking the first.” Nightwind said.
“Ok, thank you.” Dew said and went to lay down on her bedroll where she fell asleep dreaming of Nightshade kissing her passionately…

Unknown to Dew there was another who also dreamed of Nightshade. She sat by a river looking up into star filled skies and watched two moons slowly rise above the horizon. Her dreams were different than those Dew now dreamed for she knew that she could never share a lifetime with him no matter how much she wanted to and she also knew that if she and her companions did not make it back to him fast then his life would soon end. She took a deep breath and looked at her companions.
“It is time to go. We have rested enough. Hopefully we will be there in time. This debt must be repaid.” She told them and they were once again on the move.

XXXXXXXXXX

After what seemed ages Jade, Nightwind and Dew started out on their last day of a long journey. They looked forward to seeing family, friends and loved ones again. As they trotted through the forest, crossed streams and rivers and ran up one hill then down another they were each wrapped up in their own thoughts.
Nightwinds thoughts drifted from thinking about Hawk and wondering how her clans had faired in war to wondering what was troubling Jade so much that she had withdrawn into herself. She worried about her friend and wondered what could have happened in the temple that changed her friend from a strong willed carefree soul to sad frightened spirit.
Dew thought about her family and about her lover. She wanted to hear his voice…his laugh and see his smile once again. She could not imagine life without him. She looked back at her lovers sister and noticed what once had been bright loving eyes filled with determination now seemed clouded and hollow…she could not imagine what had changed her.
Jade…silent and withdrawn could only think about what would happen when her clan found out she had killed one of her own kin then her thoughts moved to Renee and she wondered what had become of her. She wondered if she had gone back to her own home…her own life. She desperately missed her because she had grown comfortable sharing her thoughts and life with her and wished it did not have to end especially the way it did…never having the chance to say goodbye and never knowing if she lived or died.

XXXXXXXXXX

Wolf, Clearwater clans Patriarch and Jades father was sitting by his sons side when a scout entered the tent.
“I’m sorry for intruding but some Anid have been captured. We have them outside. They say they might be able to help Nightshade.” Aspen told him then added, “one of them is the one who did this to him.” Aspen saw a flash of anger in Wolfs eyes that faded as quickly as it had come.
Wolf was torn between a desire to kill those responsible for his son lying at deaths door and the compassion his son had shown in sparring the very one who put him there.
“Send them in and send for Greenleaf please.” Wolf said and watched as Aspen stuck his head out and motioned for the Anid to be brought in. As they walked into the tent Wolf looked at each of them before speaking.
“I was told you came to help him.” Wolf said as he intently appraised each of them.
“We can try but from looking at him we may be to late so there can be no promise of success.” Maylorea responded with sadness on her face as she looked at Nightshade.
“Regardless of whether or not you are able to help him you will be free to go.” Wolf said as he looked down at his son and heard a sigh of relief from the other two Anid. “I have asked for one of our mages to assist you. He has been doing all he can to help Nightshade and the others but none have been able to more than heal his wound since they cannot identify the poison.”
“We have a potion that can remove the poison from him but as I said it may be to late and we should not wait any longer.” Maylorea said.
“Please do what you can.” Wolf said just as Greenleaf entered the tent.
Maylorea did not hesitate as she knelt down next to Nightshade who lay unconscious next to her. The other two Anid joined her and as their hands glowed red and blue she forced Nightshade to drink the potion.

XXXXXXXXXX

Long before they reached the camp at the edge of Shadow Lake they were greeted by scouts on patrol and escorted into camp were they were met by Lightning who told Jade and Dew what happened to her brother as he walked her to the tent.
“Is he going to be okay?” Dew asked.
“We don’t know. Everything we can do has been done and all the Anid can do to help him as well.” Lightning said.
“Anid!” Dew said with a look of shock on her face.
“Yes…the Anid that Nightshade ordered be spared came back with a potion to take the poison from his body but it may have been to late because he has not shown improvement but on the good side the affect the poison was having has been slowed.” Lightning told her as they entered the tent.
“Jade…you made it back.” Morningstar said with a smile at the sight of her daughter.
“Mother…how is he?” Jade asked.
“No better and no worse.” Wolf said as he hugged his daughter.
“What are they doing here?” Dew asked with a hint of anger in her voice at the sight of the Anid.
“They are here to help. They came last sun with a potion to help remove the poison from Nightshade.” Morningstar said.
“Dew, I already told you why they are here.” Lightning interjected.
“Why can’t we give him the potion?” Dew asked.
“The…the potion must be given along with the healing of two mages that know exactly what they are doing and it must be done in a precise manner or there is no hope of it working.” Maylorea told Dew as she stepped past her to kneel next to Nightshade and motioned the two Anid mages to do the same.
“How often will this need to be done?” Jade asked.
“Two to three times each day until he wakes or dies.” Maylorea replied in hushed tones.

XXXXXXXXXX

Over the next two days Dew spent every moment sitting by Nightshade and telling him about the journey to the Anid forest and back. She talked to him constantly and when Maylorea and the Anid mages came in she watched every move they made. As Maylorea looked at Nightshade Dew noticed something about her. The way she would look at him and touch him. She saw a deep sorrow in her eyes.
“Why are you doing this? Why are you trying to save him?” Dew finally asked.
“He spared my life. I am just trying to spare his.” She replied.
“No…that is not the only reason. I can see it in your eyes.” Dew said
Maylorea looks around the tent and then turned to her companions and quietly asked them to wait outside. Dew nodded to the two scouts that had escorted them to go with them.
“What do you want me to say? Do you want to hear how I came to a realization that we are not all that different and I wanted to show a little compassion of my own?” Maylorea said once the others had left.
“No…I want to hear the truth.” Dew said even though she suspected what the truth could be she still wanted to make the other admit it.
Maylorea felt nervous and uncomfortable around Dew…actually she felt a little nervous around all Elves except for Nightshade and his family and Nightwind. She could not figure out why but for some reason she felt more comfortable around them but Dew made her skin crawl. She took a deep breath and looked Dew in the eyes.
“So you want to hear how an Anid nomad fell in love with an Elf because he showed compassion? Is that what you want to here or do you want to hear how it tears my heart apart knowing that I will lose him whether he lives or dies and will never know if he could ever feel the same about me?” Maylorea said.
“He did not spare just your life. He spared the lives of thousands of Anid.” Dew told her.
“I know that. That is why Ricia and Ariel agreed to help me try to heal him but the difference is that I heard his voice and saw the look in his eyes. I cannot explain myself any better than that. Just know that you have nothing to fear from me and once this is over I will be gone.” Maylorea told her then walked out of the tent.

XXXXXXXXXX

Nightshade opens his eyes and blinks. As his vision clears he sees an Anid kneeling over him and two others close by.
“It has worked!” Maylorea said with jubilation in her voice
“You came back?” Nightshade said weakly as he looked into Dews smiling face.
“And so have you…with the help of some new friends.” Dew said as she turned and smiled at Maylorea.
“Thank you…it is good to see your still alive also.” Nightshade said.
“I’m glad I could help and I should be thanking you for sparing my life and the lives of thousands of Anid.” Maylorea said then turned to Dew, “I will tell the others that he is awake.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Nightwind approached Jade who was sitting in front of her tent looking out toward the lake as she carved the finishing touches onto a flute.
“Greeting Jade. We have not seen you around the camp much.” Nightwind said.
“Greetings…I have been here resting and visiting Nightshade. He is doing much better now. Maylorea and Greenleaf say he will be up and around in a day or two.” Jade said.
“We heard and I just came from seeing him. He is looking well.” Nightwind replied.
“You know most of the scouts will be leaving after tomorrows celebration?” Nightwind said.
“Yes Willow came by and told me earlier. I wish you could all stay longer.” Jade replied.
“Perhaps we will.” Nightwind said as she looked carefully at Jade, “Willow said that her and Aspen will become life mates when they get back to Stillwater.”
“Yes…I told Renee they would be life mates.” Jade told Nightwind with a sad smile as she remembered the friendly arguments and prodding each other for fun.
“You still miss her don’t you?” Nightwind asked.
“Yes…I never wanted her in my mind and she never wanted to be there,” Jade said then her voice trailed off softly, “but it became natural and she became a part of me and I’m not sure but I believe she felt I had became a part of her. Now that she is gone I do not feel whole anymore.” Jade said then they sat silent for a few moments, “You want to know what is bothering me don’t you”
“No…I want to help if I can. There are a lot of people who respect and depend on me and I know that the people in my clan and all the nomadic clans care about me but I have very very few true friends. You and Hawk are my best friends and I care very much about you. I know there is something troubling you and I know it is not only Renee being gone that is bothering you and that whatever it is happened inside that temple…but I know if you wanted to tell me you would. Just remember if you ever want to talk about it or anything I want you to know I will listen.” Nightwind said.
“That would be kind of hard since you will be leaving.” Jade told her.
“I wish I could stay longer but I have a clan to lead…besides my clan is nomadic we will see each other again I am sure and there are others here who would be more than happy to listen to you and keep what they hear to themselves.” Nightwind said.
“Tell me how your hair turned white and why.” Jade said as she looked into Nightwinds mysterious eyes then a sudden realization struck her… ‘she knows…she knows but will say nothing about it unless I tell her’.
“Tell me what is bothering you and I will.” Nightwind said seriously.
“You already know don’t you?” Jade asked her quietly but very clearly.
“Tell me what is bothering you and I will tell you anything you want to know.” Nightwind said locking her eyes onto Jades.
As Jade was about to say something she a voice entered her mind, {Stop beating yourself up…he deserved to die and by the way…what is the punishment for killing ones own kin.}
{R-R-Renee…your back…did you ever leave?}
{I have been away…some things needed to be taken care of. Now answer the question.}
{Well the punishment is usually banishment but it is left up to the closest kin to the one killed…why am I telling you that…where have you been?}
{And if you ordered the death but did not carry it out yourself would you still be responsible?}
{Yes of course.} Jade told her.
Nightwind saw a smile appear on Jades face then watched as it slowly faded.
{So his ordering the death of your husband…the death of Alarian and your great great grandmother were ultimately at his hands and all you did was carry out his sentencing is that not correct?} Renee told her.
{Well I guess that is right.} Jade replied as she thought about it.
“Besides you did not kill him…I did.” Renee said and watched as Jade slowly turned her head and looked but Nightwind was on her feet with a hand on her knife in the blink of an eye.
“Who…” Nightwind was saying when she heard Jades voice say, “Renee?”
“In the flesh for a change.” Renee said with a wry smile.
“How…I thought you had gone back to your home?” Jade said looking at Renee in amazement.
“Remember the Earth Mother said that if we succeeded she would give me anything I wanted if it were possible.” Renee replied.
“I do remember something like that.” Jade said looking Renee up and down.
Nightwind stood looking at Jade and back to Renee then back to Jade.
“You two look almost identical…did you ask her to do that?” Nightwind asked.
“Well I wanted to stay here…for a while anyway but I wanted my own body to stay in so to answer your question we are not identical…this is how I look on my world…for the most part anyway. She did give Elvin features to the way I look which given my appearance was close to Jades already it probably does make it look like we are twins.” Renee said.
“But you are human…” Jade said.
“I was until the Earth Mother made a few alterations. The pointy ears. She said she was making my eyes green…I don’t know why…I liked my blue eyes…and giving me the ability to work magic…she even taught me how. I am not sure how she did all that she did but I have my own body now and I am here.” Renee said with a smile.
{She even gave US the ability to talk like this…even over great distances but lets keep that between us for now.} Renee said.
{It is wonderful having you back…I can’t tell you how much I have missed you.} Jade said.
“I thought you wanted to go to your home.” Jade said.
“At first I did and you know that very well but the more time I spent with you here…the more friends I made…the more I wanted to really experience what it was like here and the more I felt at home.” Renee said.
Nightwind looked at the two of them again…
“I think it is great that you are here and I know a few others who would love to see you.” Nightwind said.
“Will you go get them please Nightwind?” Jade asked her friend and watched her jog off into the camp.
“Well are you finished with that yet?” Renee said looking at the flute that was still in Jades hand.
“I just finished it.” Jade said with a smile as she thought about all the nights she had carved on it while talking with Renee.
“The lady said I could stay here as long as I wanted to.” Renee said as she stepped closer to Jade.
“How…how long do you plan on staying.” Jade asked softly.
“As long as you want me to.” Renee said as she looked into Jades green eyes, “I hope that is a very long time,” and felt her lips touch Jades.
“Now will you play that thing for me?” Renee said with a bright smile on her face and heard the soft sweet sounds of the flute play.

XXXXXXXXXX

Renee and Jade went as far as the pass with their friends as they Journeyed back to their own homes. They stopped there and looked out across both forests and made their promises to visit each other as often as possible.
“I have something for you.” Willow said as she reached into her belt pouch, “Do you remember the Eagle we saw at Stillwater Lake?”
“Yes I remember it swooping down to catch the fish…a wonderful thing to see.” Jade said with a smile.
“These are for you.” Willow said as she place a pair of gold earpieces crafted to look like and Eagle rising into the sky with its catch secure in its talons.
“Willow these are beautiful but I don’t have anything to give you.” Jade said.
“You have already given me more than I could ever give you.” Willow said and looked at Aspen with a smile, “Because of you I learned to love again.” Willow said as Jade hugged her tight and then hugged Aspen.
Hawk said his goodbyes to Jade and Renee then waited for Nightwind who stood looking out over the Alarian forest. Jade walked over to Nightwind and noticed a tear in her friends eye.
“I learned a lot from you.” Jade said.
“Like what?” Nightwind said in her usual cool toned voice.
“To start with I learned not to judge on appearances alone but to look much deeper for the truth.” Jade said just as coolly.
“I learned something from you as well. I learned to trust magic again.” Nightwind said as she hugged her friend tight.
“I will miss you.” Jade told her as they hugged.
“And I’ll miss you.” Nightwind replied then looked over at Renee who was talking with Wind, “You take care of her.”
“I will do the best I can.” Renee said with a smile as Jade gave Wind a hug goodbye.
They watched as their friends walked down the pass and gave them a final wave goodbye as they walked out of sight. Nightwind stopped and looked back one last time and Jade would swear there was a smile on her face and light in her eyes.
“There is something about her.” Jade and Renee said in unison as Nightwind turned and walked out of sight.

As they turned to go back to Clearwater Lake a glow suddenly appeared in front of them.
_________________
All poems and stories posted by Eiregirl are Copyright 2005 - 2008 Aoibhegréine These literary works are my property under copyright. If you wish to use my work for any purpose please ASK FIRST.

Post Thu Nov 15, 2007 5:45 am 
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suncoastgirl



Joined: 25 Mar 2005
Posts: 26
Location: back online


Very Happy thank you

I LOVED YOUR STORY

Post Mon Nov 19, 2007 3:10 am 
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Eiregirl



Joined: 21 Jul 2005
Posts: 10230
Location: Chasing a pink bunny


quote:
Originally posted by suncoastgirl:
Very Happy thank you

I LOVED YOUR STORY


suncoast,

Thank you very much Very Happy

Hugs,
Eiregirl Arrow
_________________
All poems and stories posted by Eiregirl are Copyright 2005 - 2008 Aoibhegréine These literary works are my property under copyright. If you wish to use my work for any purpose please ASK FIRST.

Post Mon Nov 19, 2007 4:46 am 
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Allison



Joined: 12 Oct 2005
Posts: 4216
Location: Florida


Eire,

That is an incredible story. I hope you will take a deep breath and get started on Book Two soon. I will be waiting anxiously.

Alli
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Alli

Post Mon Nov 19, 2007 6:51 pm 
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mobomo12



Joined: 13 Jun 2007
Posts: 18


I loved this story and hope you make a book two soon.

Post Sat Jan 05, 2008 12:31 am 
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